Charlie's Guide to Not Reading

40 Paragraphs 1 through 8 contribute to the plot by —

• hinting at how Charlie Joe will resolve his problem

• describing the qualities that others enjoy about Charlie Joe

• providing the reason for Charlie Joe’s conflict

• establishing Charlie Joe’s discomfort in the setting

41 Read this sentence from paragraph 20.

He held out the brochure to me and grinned like an evil wizard.

The author uses a simile in this sentence to reveal that Charlie Joe’s father —

• is excited to have found a solution even if his son does not like it

• has an unusual ability to make his son agree to things he dislikes doing

• C is pretending that he likes the camp so that his son will also like it

• D knows that his son will try to find an alternative to going to the camp

42 Why do paragraphs 23 and 24 mark a turning point in the story?

• Charlie Joe’s parents want to get his opinion about going to summer camp.

• Charlie Joe understands that he should have worked harder in class.

• Charlie Joe’s parents decide that the summer camp sounds like a good idea.

• Charlie Joe recognizes that only he can save his plans for a fun and relaxing summer.

43 Based on paragraphs 18 and 19, the reader can conclude that Charlie Joe thinks Ms. Ferrell —

• does not understand what kinds of activities kids really enjoy

• has found a way that may make his classwork more fun

• does not really believe that he can improve his grades

• is treating him unfairly by suggesting he attend summer camp

44 What is the best summary of the story?

• Charlie Joe attends a conference with his parents and his teacher. His father says that Charlie Joe’s grades have worsened and must be improved. The teacher hands Charlie Joe’s father a brochure about a camp, and Charlie Joe realizes it is an educational camp. Because of this, he does not want to go.

• One day at school, Charlie Joe and his parents attend a conference with Charlie Joe’s teacher. At first Ms. Ferrell describes Charlie Joe’s good qualities, but Charlie Joe’s father is concerned about his academic performance. Ms. Ferrell suggests that Charlie Joe attend a summer camp that is educational but also fun.

• Charlie Joe meets with his parents and teacher for a conference at school. Charlie Joe does not want to go to summer camp. Instead, he says he will get good grades. His parents are not sure whether to accept his offer, so they try to determine whether Charlie Joe is serious.

• During a parent and teacher conference, Charlie Joe’s teacher suggests that Charlie Joe attend an educational summer camp. Charlie Joe’s father thinks the camp is a good idea, but Charlie Joe does not want to go. He bargains to make excellent grades rather than attend the camp. His parents agree to this offer

45 Which sentence best explains why Charlie Joe’s father considers sending Charlie Joe to Camp Rituhbukkee?

• Finally my dad turned around and looked at my mom, who nodded.

• “You’ve never gotten straight A’s in your life.”

• “It would be bad parenting if we just sat here while you threw your talents away.”

• My dad thumbed through the brochure.

46 The first-person point of view helps the reader understand —

• that Charlie Joe’s dad is serious about sending him to camp

• why Charlie Joe’s mom will not help him

• the way Ms. Ferrell views Charlie Joe

• Charlie Joe’s reasons for not wanting to go to the summer camp

47 What does the conversation between Charlie Joe and his parents in paragraphs 26 through 30 suggest?

• Charlie Joe thinks that being able to avoid going to summer camp will be an easy task.

• Charlie Joe’s mother believes that the summer camp will not offer any benefit to Charlie

• Charlie Joe feels inspired to do better in school because of his parents’ faith in his abilities.

• Charlie Joe’s father doubts that Charlie Joe will be able to achieve the goal he has set for himself.

Read this sentence from paragraph 22.

The train to Camp Rituhbukkee was leaving the station, and my mom wasn’t about to lie across the tracks to stop it.

The author uses figurative language in this sentence to show that —

• Charlie Joe does not want to go to a camp so far away from home

• Charlie Joe’s mom will not save him from having to go to camp

• Charlie Joe’s mom realizes that the camp may be dangerous

• Charlie Joe does not want to act against his mother’s wishes